FLIRT (Fort Lauderdale Invitational Regional Tournament) is an annual LGBT invitational bowling tournament that takes place every Martin Luther King Weekend. The tournament is one of the 63 gay bowling tournaments in a 11 month period throughout the United States and Canada and falls under the International Gay Bowling Organizations (IGBO).
FLIRT 2013 is celebrating its 31st year and this will be the 5 consecutive year that the tournament has sold out with 216 bowlers! FLIRT is one of the most popular tournaments amongst bowlers due to the fun filled weekend and of course, sun and fun in January.
It also attracts a good number of bowlers from our local gay and straight leagues.
I asked co-directors of FLIRT Gabiel Him and Bruce McHale why they thought FLIRT was so successful and they said: “I think it’s our prize fund, but that may sound a bit pretentious. In addition we sell a great Fort Lauderdale experience, as well as a tournament experience that is organized , relaxed, and fun yet very competitive. We are one of the few tournaments that attracts some of the best gay bowlers in the country!”
FLIRT divides the bowling field into multiple divisions to make it competitive and even throughout the field. The winners are determined by scores in 3 different events bowled throughout the weekend; singles, doubles, and team.
The FLIRT organization loves to party, win, and give back to the community by raising funds for local charities. In their 30 year stint they they have donated over $40,000 to several charities (Bridges of Wellness, Poverello and Kids in Distress to name a few).
The bowlers will arrive and check into the official hotel (Marriott Fort Lauderdale North) and then the fun begins. FLIRT official parties start at 9pm and will be held at Sidelines on Friday, The Village Pub on Saturday, and Depot on Sunday. Rosie’s is the official host restaurant all weekend long.
For more information on FLIRT visit their website at FLIRTBowl.com, their facebook page at FLIRT@facebook.com“>FLIRT@facebook.com or you can visit the International Gay Bowling Organization at LGBO.org.
